GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — Local health department officials say the number of influenza cases is similar to, or slightly less than last year, but the flu season peak is yet to come.

Genesee County Health Department Health Officer Mark Valacak said the peak of flu season is around the end of February, so residents still have time to get a flu vaccine.

“There’s plenty of vaccines available — doctor’s offices, local pharmacies,” Valacak said. “The state has increased the testing, and what they’re finding is the strains (of flu) that are circulating are the ones that are protected from the vaccines. That’s one of the best ways to protect yourselves and your loved ones.”

Statewide, the Michigan Department of Community Health Bureau of Laboratories has seen the number of confirmed cases of influenza rising this month.

So far this flu season, there have been a total of 59 confirmed flu cases in Michigan, with 29 of them children, said Angela Minicuci, Michigan Department of Community Health public information officer.

“Overall flu activity has been lower than we’ve seen in past seasons. ... One of the things to keep in mind, while these numbers do look like they’re beginning to pick up, the flu can be very unpredictable,” Minicuci said. “We do encourage every person six months and older to get the flu vaccine.”

Children, especially those under the age of 2 years old, are at a higher risk of serious flu complications, along with those who are pregnant, have chronic health conditions or are 65 years old and older.

Last year, the Genesee County Health Department reported a rise in young children hospitalized with flu-like symptoms. The department reported two influenza-related deaths in Genesee County, including one infant.

Valacak said if a child is too young to get a vaccine, the best way to protect them is for family members to get one.

Many people may confuse the symptoms of the flu, a cold and norovirus, Valacak said.

The health department has seen an increase in norovirus cases, which is often misidentified as “stomach flu,” he said. Symptoms of norovirus are nausea, vomiting and a fever.

“It’s like a 24- to 48-hour bug. There’s no treatment or vaccine,” Valacak said. “The concern with the norovirus is you want to make sure the patient stays hydrated, drinks lots of fluids, gets lots of rest. It can be dangerous.”

The norovirus is easily spread from person to person, especially in congested areas, like schools or the work place.

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness. Fever is usually present and a person has severe aches and pains and possibly chills, Valacak said.

People with the flu have a dry cough. Sneezing and a stuffy nose is not common with the flu, but often a symptom of a cold, Valacak said.

One of the most important things — besides getting a flu vaccine — is to make sure to wash your hands and sanitize surfaces.

Also make sure to stay home when sick, Department of Community Health officials say, so the virus doesn’t spread to other people.

Unlike past years, there is no shortage of vaccines in the county, so residents should get a flu shot soon in order to allow two weeks for the vaccine to properly work.

Valarie Franklin, pharmacist at Flint Walgreens, 3753 Dort Highway, said the numbers of people seeking flu shots have increased since the H1N1 virus pandemic in 2009.

“There are more people receptive to getting their vaccines than in the past. ... I think the biggest thing was that a lot more people were anxious about getting the vaccines and didn’t trust it. H1N1 kind of brought that in the front and made people realize they need to get them,” Franklin said.

“We’re finding that more insurance companies are covering them, especially at pharmacies, and more people are willing to get them if their insurance covers it.”